Drugs, firearms, property and a pedigree dog recovered in major SW police operation

Leanne Nicholson

Drugs with an estimated street value of up to $1 million and a pedigree dog are among a massive haul of drugs, weapons and stolen property seized during a major operation by South West police.

South West District Superintendent Peter Hatch announced on Monday the huge list of recovered items as police concluded the enforcement phase of a protracted and wide-ranging operation across the region which has resulted in 36 people facing 125 various charges.

Police raid a home on Devonshire Street in Withers, a suburb of Bunbury, on Monday morning as part of the operation. Photo: Bunbury Mail

"This operation is significant for communities in the South West," Superintendent Hatch said.

"When considering the large number of charges preferred, the effects of this operation will undoubtedly send shockwaves through criminal communities in the South West for a lengthy period.

"Operations of this nature clearly demonstrate the commitment WA Police has to identifying and targeting criminal drug networks and their extensive connection into other criminal offences that adversely impact the community on a daily basis."

The operation culminated in the execution of 30 search warrants over a six-day period and resulted in 36 people being charged with a variety of drug, firearm and other connected offences.

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As of Monday, 125 charges have been preferred and the operation has resulted in the seizure of more than $150,000 cash, 447 grams of methamphetamines, 824 grams of cannabis, 22 cannabis plants, 48 drug implements and paraphernalia, nine firearms 221 rounds of ammunition, three detonators cords, a crossbow, mobile stun gun, a stolen pedigree dog and more than $8000 in suspected stolen property.

"Intelligence and information received from the public over a lengthy period contributed heavily to the success of this operation which initially focussed on known persons of interest and ultimately resulted in the identification of numerous other alleged associates and drug dealers in several criminal networks across the South West," Superintendent Hatch said.

To date the operation has resulted in the seizure of houses, cars and jewellery with an estimated value of more than $875,000 using freezing notices issued pursuant to proceeds of crime legislation.

"Whilst South West police have completed the enforcement phase of this significant operation, we will further seek to disrupt and contain those involved on an ongoing basis using the all the legislation at our disposal and in partnership with other government and non-government agencies," he said.

"Police have worked tirelessly on this successful operation.

"The great results bring us a step closer to longer term crime reductions across the South West.

"The community can rest assured that police will continue to focus on anyone involved in, or connected to the illicit drug trade of crime in general."